-‐In the U.S. 23% of children lived with only their mothers, whereas 3% lived with only theirfathers-‐Divorce is the most common cause of single parenthood (~35%);the least common is death?(1.7%)-‐Financial strain is higher in single parent family systems-‐Role strain: custodial parent must function as sole full-‐time parent in the new family system-‐Single mothers:-‐Financial strain:43% of children living with single mothers are in poverty, compared with 8%living with married biological parents-‐Strain leads to internalizing disorders in mothers-‐Role strain: one effect of role strain is the increased reliance on more authoritarian patterns ofinteracting with children-‐A mother may transform the definition of her role,particularly in relation to the oldestchild, to that of a peer/partner-‐Not developmentally appropriate control shifting-‐Mothers become more authoritarian because they are stretched very thin-‐Single fathers:-‐Financial strain: single fathers tend to have higher incomes than single mothers-‐May account for differences in quality of life for these family systems-‐Role strain: often work long hours, contributing to strain-‐Share household management tasks with children rather than outside resources-‐Nonresidential, noncustodial fathers:-‐Risk losing contact (other than financial) with children-‐Bring a nonresidential, noncustodial father linked with increase men’s risk of injury, addiction,
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